(20 Aug 2016, 6:45 am)Craig Smith wrote This is the problem. Most of the Groups who own preserved buses in the North East have A mutual understanding of one another. But they wont work with one another. The Northern National Restoration Group has A fantastic relationship with the County Durham Bus Preservation Group. This is because all the major players in the groups have known one another for years now. If we do decide to pool our resources and put on some kind of event I would expect that we would get it right.

What we do need is the support of local counsels and organizations to help us set up A venue that is suitable to our needs. This will attract people to it. I believe that the future of bus rally's in the North East is secure but we do need fresh input from people. Not just in organizing these events but into the organizations themselves. Take the NEBPT and the 500 group.. Do you see anyone under 30 among them who is actively involved?

I know that the NNRG actively encourage people to come and see us. That to me is the right way to do things. We are building the group to eventually achieve charity status. We are also planning to get A larger building.
When this happens perhaps we could hold events in this and have open days? I am approaching this as we have approached our restorations so far. To me the sky is the limit.

I agree there is a need for new blood in certain restoration groups. To give an example if you look at the ages of the NEBPG's trustees, the youngest is 43 and the eldest 69. That's an average of 56 years old. However I also feel certain groups lack a willingness to engage with younger enthusiasts and do not embrace the benefits of multimedia technology.

Young people are the future of the preservationist movement and if certain groups do not make efforts to encourage their participation then they are only storing up trouble for the future. I remember going on an enthusiasts bus trip to Sandtoft Trolley Bus Museum on an Go Ahead MCW Metrobus when I was about 14. That would have been around 1988-1989. How great it would be if enthusiasts in the North East could organise a similar trip today and take active and/or preserved buses to rallies elsewhere,  

Its the Seaburn Rally next Monday, I'm just wondering will there be a printed rally guide and timetable attendees can purchase? The NEBPT website shows there are some interesting vehicles attending. If we had a timetable stating which buses were operating specific journeys then it would allow enthusiasts and members of the public to plan their day out. The proceeds of guide sales could be a good source of income for the NEBPT.

Charles